Unit 6 :Grammar: Conditional type zero & Conditional type 1 : cours 1 Bac SM

1Course Objectives

This section outlines the specific learning goals students are expected to achieve by the end of this grammar lesson. These objectives align with the official Moroccan curriculum for 1st-year Baccalaureate, Experimental Sciences track.

Learning Objectives Overview

Objective 1

Identify and distinguish the if-clause (subordinate clause) from the main clause (result clause) in any conditional sentence.

Objective 2

Differentiate between Conditional Type Zero — used to express general truths, scientific facts, and certainties — and Conditional Type 1 — used to express real and likely future possibilities.

Objective 3

Construct grammatically correct Type Zero sentences by applying the Present Simple tense in both the if-clause and the main clause.

Objective 4

Construct grammatically correct Type 1 sentences by using the Present Simple tense in the if-clause and will / modal verb + base infinitive in the main clause.

Objective 5

Apply the core grammar rule — no 'will' in the if-clause — and master comma punctuation rules depending on the position of the if-clause.

Objective 6

Use the alternative conjunctions'when' (in Type Zero) and'unless' (in Type 1) accurately as substitutes for 'if' where meaning requires.

$Objective$	$Conditional Type$	$Key Skill Targeted$
$Identify clause roles$	$Both types$	$Clause recognition$
$Distinguish meaning & use$	$Type Zero vs. Type 1$	$Conceptual differentiation$
$Build Type Zero sentences$	$Type Zero$	$Present Simple + Present Simple$
$Build Type 1 sentences$	$Type 1$	$Present Simple + will/modal + base verb$
$Apply punctuation & 'no will' rule$	$Both types$	$Grammar accuracy$
$Use 'when' and 'unless'$	$Type Zero / Type 1$	$Conjunction substitution$

Summary of course objectives mapped to conditional types and skills

By the end of this grammar lesson, students will be able to move confidently between recognising conditional structures in reading and listening tasks, and producing them accurately in writing and speaking tasks — fully in line with the competency requirements of the 1st-year Baccalaureate English programme in Morocco.

Before studying conditional sentences, students must have a solid command of a few key grammar concepts that directly underpin both conditional types covered in this lesson.

Present Simple

A tense used to express facts, habits, routines, and general truths. It is formed with the base verb (+ -s/-es for third-person singular). Example: 'She studies every evening.' In conditional sentences, the Present Simple is used in the if-clause of both Type Zero and Type 1, and also in the main clause of Type Zero.

Future Simple

A tense used to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future. It is formed with will + base verb (infinitive without 'to'). Example: 'He will travel next week.' In conditional sentences, the Future Simple forms the main clause of Type 1.

Modal Verbs

Auxiliary verbs that add specific meanings to the main verb. The modals can (ability), may (possibility), might (less certain possibility), and should (advice/recommendation) can replace 'will' in the main clause of Type 1 to introduce nuance. Example: 'If it rains, you should take an umbrella.'

Imperative Form

The base form of the verb used to give commands, instructions, or advice. There is no subject stated. Example: 'Open the door.' In conditional sentences, the imperative can function as the main clause of Type 1. Example: 'If you feel tired, rest .'

Clause Structure

A sentence in English can contain two types of clauses: a dependent clause (also called a subordinate clause), which cannot stand alone and begins with a subordinating conjunction such as 'if', 'when', or 'unless'; and an independent clause (the main clause), which expresses the main idea and can stand alone.

Present Simple: Key Forms

Affirmative

Subject + base verb (+ -s/-es for he/she/it). Example: 'Water boils at 100°C.' / 'She studies every evening.'

Negative

Subject + do/does + not + base verb. Example: 'He does not sleep late.' / 'They do not exercise daily.'

Interrogative

Do/Does + subject + base verb? Example: ' Does she speak English?'

Future Simple: Key Forms

Affirmative

Subject + will + base verb. Example: 'He will travel next week.' / 'They will pass the exam.'

Negative

Subject + will not (won't) + base verb. Example: 'She won't come to the party.'

Interrogative

Will + subject + base verb? Example: ' Will you help me?'

$Modal Verb$	$Meaning / Nuance$	$Example in Type 1 Main Clause$
$will$	$Certainty / strong prediction$	$If you study, you will pass.$
$can$	$Ability / possibility$	$If you practise, you can improve.$
$may$	$Possibility (neutral)$	$If it is sunny, we may go out.$
$might$	$Possibility (less certain)$	$If she calls, I might answer.$
$should$	$Advice / recommendation$	$If you feel ill, you should see a doctor.$

Modal verbs used in the main clause of Conditional Type 1 and their nuances.

Dependent vs. Independent Clauses

Dependent clause (if-clause)

Begins with a subordinating conjunction (if, when, unless). It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Example: ' If it rains \dots' — this clause depends on the main clause to complete its meaning.

Independent clause (main clause)

Expresses the main idea and can stand alone as a complete sentence. Example: '\dots we will stay inside.' This clause is grammatically complete on its own.

Combined sentence

' If it rains, we will stay inside.' — the dependent clause sets the condition; the main clause states the result.

$Conjunction$	$Function$	$Example$
$if$	$Introduces a condition (real or general)$	$' If you heat ice, it melts.'$
$when$	$Introduces a condition treated as certain or habitual$	$' When she arrives, call me.'$
$unless$	$Means 'if not' — introduces a negative condition$	$' Unless you hurry, you will be late.'$

Common subordinating conjunctions used in conditional sentences at 1ère année Bac level.

Imperative as Main Clause

In Type 1 conditionals, the main clause can be an imperative (base verb, no subject) instead of a future or modal structure.

Structure

If + Present Simple, base verb (imperative).

Example 1

'If you are hungry, eat something.'

Example 2

'If the fire alarm rings, leave the building immediately.'

Note

The imperative gives a direct instruction or piece of advice as the consequence of the condition.

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